We need a proper migrant policy

MORE than 30,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year.

The immigration system is a complete failure; from sucking the Navy into Channel operations and the unworkable Rwanda gimmick, to unacceptably slow processing of applications. Rather than pointing at the sea, the Conservatives need to get a grip. We were told this would be a priority issue for this Government, so why did the PM not even talk with the French President about the shared problem when she was with him recently? The Conservatives have lost control of our borders. I have no doubt that a Labour Government will get to grips with this ongoing problem.

People often ask, what would Labour do? The Labour Party will fund a new cell in the National Crime Agency which will target the criminal gangs and prevent more lives being put at risk.

A Labour Government would coordinate joint action to target the criminal gangs and supply chains upstream. This would include improved arrangements on intelligence sharing and security co-operation.

The Home Office is taking half as many asylum decisions as they were five years ago, leaving people waiting in limbo for much longer and pushing up accommodation costs. Returning to much faster casework means quicker support for those who are refugees and much quicker returns for those who are not. Labour would redesign the existing resettlement schemes which are not currently working properly so that they include a clearer process for refugees with family connections in the UK to be considered for resettlement through safe and legal routes, preventing them being exploited by criminal gangs or making dangerous journeys. Labour would work in partnership internationally to address some of the humanitarian crises that are leading people to flee their homes, including restoring the 0.7 per cent aid commitment and strengthening support for the people of Afghanistan, currently the largest group trying to cross the Channel. We will introduce policy that works instead of headline grabbing gimmicks.

Mike Tapp Via email